The Obama Administration has just filed a notice of appeal in Massachussettes, seeking to defend the Defense Of Marriage Act against a Judge who ruled it unconstitutional back in July. Still waiting to see our ‘fierce advocate’ leap into action.

This is why I hate the two-party system. The Republicans openly fight against our rights, and the Democrats talk nice so we’ll open our wallets but when pushed to the wire don’t do a thing for us. I’m really feeling like the only politicians I can trust are our local Democrats.

The Obama administration filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts in support of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act that barred gay marriages, even though President Barack Obama had previously opposed the law.

U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro in Boston ruled in July for several gay couples who had argued that the Defense of Marriage Act interfered with the rights of states to define marriage.

About The Author

Eric Ethington is a journalist, activist, and researcher. Originally from Utah, he now works in Boston for a social justice think tank. His writing, advocacy work, and research have been featured on MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, CNBC, the New York Times, The Guardian, and The Public Eye magazine. Follow him on Twitter @EricEthington.

Ummm, it looks like any president would have had to “defend” DOMA. One of the first paragraphs you link to says:

“Although Obama opposes the law, a Justice Department spokeswoman said that the administration was defending the statute because it was obligated to defend federal laws when challenged in court.

“As a policy matter, the President has made clear that he believes DOMA is discriminatory and should be repealed,” said Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler. “The Justice Department is defending the statute, as it traditionally does when acts of Congress are challenged.””

That sounds to me like exactly the same thing as Schwarzenegger “defending” Prop 8, and I don’t like that you didn’t at least address this in your article.